It will be an interesting offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they have major cap issues. They will need to shed cap and spend on bargain-free agents to fill some holes.
Both Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell will become free agents when the new league year begins at their current contract status. Those two are the most notable names as far as former Steelers entering the open market. It seems less than likely that a reunion with either of those two players will be happening anytime soon.
However, there are other potential moves still on the horizon for other teams and the black and gold. Teams must be cap compliant and other squads want to make as much space as possible as they gear up for the free-agent frenzy. Some cap casualties will form around the league and leave some decent options for bargain hunters like Pittsburgh.
The offseason will mostly hinge on the NFL Draft in April when it comes to this team’s success for next season, and Ben Roethlisberger’s return could shift what the Steelers are looking to do this April. But even with Ben reportedly returning, a quarterback cannot be ruled out in 2021, and it’s still possible that another backup could be drafted or signed in free agency to provide competition. Josh Dobbs could be brought back onto the team as he also enters free agency.
Coming back to the Steel City could be a huge draw for some of these free agents that are potential cap subtractions as they know what they’re getting from this franchise. Here are four players with the potential to return to Pittsburgh in 2021:
B.J. Finney, Center
B.J. Finney grew up as a Steelers fan and that led to him signing here after coming out of college as an undrafted free agent. He began to show his versatility across the interior of the offensive line in his first few years. Last offseason, he signed a nice contract with the Seattle Seahawks before being put on waivers. Then he was picked up by the Cincinnati Bengals as their offensive line woes continued.
Finney struggled to get any traction there, even behind poor offensive line play. His cap number is still fairly high when compared to what he has brought to their team. It seems likely that he will be released by the Bengals. That is where the Steelers come into the picture for Finney.
Pittsburgh was his favorite team growing up and it seems like neither the team nor Finney wanted to go their separate ways when he entered free agency. The black and gold could not afford him and he made some nice money elsewhere. If he becomes a free agent then this would be a great addition to the team. Finney could start at center or at the very least add great depth at both the center and guard positions. This would be a solid move if he is released and that seems more likely than not.
Tyler Matakevich, Linebacker
Tyler Matakevich is heading into the last year of his contract with the Buffalo Bills. He signed a two-year deal last offseason that could be worth up to $9 million total if he plays out the entire term. It does seem possible that his days with the Bills are limited as he did not live up to expectations entirely. He was brought in for competition at the starting linebacker spots on the defense but failed to play many snaps there.
Even when injuries started to mount up for the position, Matakevich could not find much playing time. His strong suit has been and always will be on special teams. This past season left no doubt as he continued to dominate in that phase of the game. That was never the issue for ‘Dirty Red’ during his career to this point.
Matakevich has not been able to transition his game to play meaningful snaps on the defensive side of the football and that is why his contract could be terminated. Buffalo is very close to becoming Super Bowl contenders and they could try and go for it this offseason. Subtracting a highly paid special teamer could help free up more cap space to sign a bigger name in free agency. The Steelers would like to add depth at the linebacker position and they love his ability on kick and punt coverage.
Kelvin Beachum, Tackle
Kelvin Beachum is now a veteran in the NFL after leaving years ago in free agency. The Steelers could not bring him back at the time and Alejandro Villanueva was becoming capable of starting at left tackle in the NFL. The New York Jets would sign him to a nice contract where he lived up to expectations for the team.
Beachum was still a stable option at a prime position across the trenches for any offense. Eventually, he would leave the Jets and go to the desert where he joined the Arizona Cardinals. Even at his age (32 this June), his ability to be a starting tackle in this league persists. He might not be what he once was but his preparation and abilities make him an upgrade over any tackle Pittsburgh has on their roster currently.
This would be one of the best signings for the team as it takes some pressure off to draft a tackle early this April. It would still need to be addressed when those selections come in but the immediate need would no longer be present. This just seems like a very likely option for both the player and team as the fit and familiarity with each other is there.
Jesse James, Tight end
Jesse James just seems like he will be coming back to his hometown team this offseason. He signed a very lucrative deal with the Detroit Lions a couple of seasons back and it just seemed like one that wouldn’t last. The Steelers will need to fill holes at the tight end position this offseason since Vance McDonald retired. There is almost no depth behind Eric Ebron and that is where James comes in. He will be cut and likely signed by another team for the veteran minimum. One would imagine he wants to come back home near his family.
Pittsburgh drafted James coming out of Penn State and reuniting with him would be a great addition for both sides. He would not be tied to the franchise for long and could reestablish his game back where it all began. The team would be getting a nice second option for the position that can block and go out to catch on occasion.
The Lions are under a new regime and that will bring changes with it. Many cuts will likely be made as the team looks to rebuild with a new identity. This would not be a major shocker when James is released. It would also not surprise anyone when the Steelers come calling their former player.
It will be interesting to see if these players hit free agency when the window to negotiate begins. If they are free agents then these will be very good options for the Steelers to reunite with on cheap deals.